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Hi, I've been leaving in San Antonio Texas for 12 years now, the city is great but I feel like moving to the Chicago area, where I hope different economic opportunities can come up. I've lived in Chicago through the 80s & 90s, I really don't know what to expect there anymore though. We have relatives through all of Chicago, so I have real high hopes of staying there. I'm looking for some insight on North Chicago and what to do there, and in all of Chicago. The only thing holding me back is if i can find a house under 48k, and if North Chicago is dull.

Can you clarify what you mean by North Chicago? Do you mean literally the suburb of North Chicago, or the north suburbs in general, or the north side of Chicago proper?

I can tell you this much: no matter the answer, finding a habitable home in a habitable neighborhood for 48K is not going to happen unless you stumble across the most incredible short-sale/foreclosure opportunity in the world.

I completely agree with Drover. Even the most bombed sections of the least desirable parts of the roughest suburbs / parts of Chicago rarely have homes in habitable condition for the amount you are talking about.

If you have any kind of an established career you would be nuts to consider living in a dangerous / desolate area. I assume that over the 12 years you've been living in Texas you know that Chicago has seen MASSSIVE population loss in many areas. The odds a regular working guy / professional being able to live safely in a sci-fi section of abandonment and crime and not fall victim to foul play are not good...

A much more realistic starting budget is probably double or triple the $48k you have in mind.

Can you clarify what you mean by North Chicago? Do you mean literally the suburb of North Chicago, or the north suburbs in general, or the north side of Chicago proper?

I can tell you this much: no matter the answer, finding a habitable home in a habitable neighborhood for 48K is not going to happen unless you stumble across the most incredible short-sale/foreclosure opportunity in the world.

But you do see them from time to time. Probably they need work. North Chicago but also check out Zion and Waukegan.

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